Tupungato is the highest mountain south of the Aconcagua River, and is considered the highest active volcano in the world, having erupted as recently as 1986. It is a huge isolated volcano, dominating the southern landscape as seen from Aconcagua (22,831 ft.), which rises just sixty miles north. It stands within approachable distance from a major international highway, and is roughly fifty miles east of Santiago. Several small towns and villages are found throughout the area. Tupungato is traditionally approached from either the north, west, or south, all routes being comparable in terms of length and difficulty.